NATO admits “systems failure” in Tripoli raid civilian deaths

Nato has admitted “a weapons systems failure” in an air strike on Libyan capital, Tripoli on Sunday that led to civilian casualties.

In a statement, NATO said the intended target of the strike was a military missile site, but “it appears that one weapon” did not hit it.

“Nato regrets the loss of innocent civilian lives and takes great care in conducting strikes against a regime determined to use violence against its own citizens,” said Lt Gen Charles Bouchard, commander of operation Unified Protector.

“Although we are still determining the specifics of this event, indications are that a weapons system failure may have caused this incident,” he added.

The Libyan government earlier said Nato bombed a residential area, killing several civilians.